OK Im in the process up setting up a cage and getting a chameleon.ive looked them up for years and now am getting one its just hard to decide which one. ive always like the jacksons but over the last few years have seen the mellers and i really like the colors and the overall size.Is it just a hit and miss which chameleon is right for the right person ?help anyone.
One cham vs another(personel opinions)
- Thread starter DAD3886
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Ozzie2011
Guest
I have a veil male and my next one will for sure be a Blue Panther or some sort of Panther as the colors on them are awesome! Welcome and congrats on becoming a Cham owner 
laurie
Retired Moderator
There are several things to consider, what size chameleon would you be comfortable with, what size enclosure can you provide, what temperature range, how much time and money are you willing to spend, and will you be getting a captive breed (c/b) or wild caught (w/c)? If getting a w/c mellers, you need to know they are difficult for even experienced keepers to acclimate.
Last what kind do you like????
Last what kind do you like????
allencg101
Member
don't forget the size too they get big I got an oustalate cause he will make a mellers look tiny. But know this can you afford the food to feed them cause they tend to eat alot also do you have the space for the big boy cage your going to need i just started with mine for my oustalate which is going to have to be 6'*6'*4'.
ok well ive always wanted a jackson i'm pretty sure thats what piggy from lord of the flies had 80's movie drop. well im currently working on a 22"x18"x4ft cage.very nerve racking..... i dont really want to have it shipped rather live pick up i live in florida all ive seen is W.C. jacksons in florida... that a huge problem?
80's movie drop. well im currently working on a 22"x18"x4ft cage.very nerve racking..... i dont really want to have it shipped rather live pick up i live in florida all ive seen is W.C. jacksons in florida... that a huge problem?
Panthers are a easy, "hardy" species. And they have some amazing colors to choose from. But on the WC question. It is harder to aclimate them to captivity. Over a CB animal. WC are more picky and less forgiving. For your fist cham, no matter the species. I would recommend a CB for sure.
Welcome. Good luck with your decision.
Welcome. Good luck with your decision.
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
When I picked my first chameleon everyone gave me the same advice of going for a veiled or panther. I went with a Jackson's instead (and a WC one at that...) because after all the research I did, I felt pretty confident that I could meet it's requirements. It didn't seem like the care was all that different or difficult where I couldn't handle it. And I think I did pretty ok, there were a couple things I had to adjust (there's some stuff you can't foresee until you have one) but he did great.
So from my personal opinion, sit down with as much info on the species you like the most and then after you've got a pretty good idea of what they need, ask yourself honestly if you can meet the requirements to keep it happy and healthy. If you think you can handle a meller's, go for it. If you think you'd do better with a veiled, then go for it. But it depends on what you decide you can honestly handle
So from my personal opinion, sit down with as much info on the species you like the most and then after you've got a pretty good idea of what they need, ask yourself honestly if you can meet the requirements to keep it happy and healthy. If you think you can handle a meller's, go for it. If you think you'd do better with a veiled, then go for it. But it depends on what you decide you can honestly handle
Each panther or veiled is its own temperment. Some people have wonderful veileds others are horrible. Some have sweet panthers. Others are nightmares. Really there is now way of knowing before hand, if your panther or veiled will be nice.
One of my panthers is a angel. I do have one butt head panther. But not like some ive seen. But that doesnt mean his offspring will be the same for either male. You just dont know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkPtTAzHOK8
jessica
Avid Member
Have you seen a full grown Melleri?
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
The big difference between some of those species will be things like:
For melleri, the sheer size of the optimal territorial space or options to free range safely, how much time you have to make SURE they are hydrated properly every day and maintaining that much more habitat, larger sturdier trees, and larger feeder availability.
For jackson's, the temp and humidity range in your area during the year. You may have to spend a lot more $ to guarrantee cool nights, humidity in winter or summer, and milder summer daytime temps.
As for temperment, it varies a lot. Jackson's are not known to be aggressive, but it doesn't mean they are not easily stressed. They just show their stress differently (avoiding you, hiding from view, not drinking or eating rather than bluff attacks like veileds or panthers or even melleri). A pissy melleri can be pretty intimidating due to their size and power, but not all of them are nasty.
A little trick I've used to decide...the species' photos I tend to search for and gaze at over and over again is probably the one I am most intrigued about.
Kansascity
New Member
Thats always a personal choice as to which is the best for any given individual.... I have many looking at cages 5 1/2 my new one will be here next Tuesday, and I love them all! They are all different, and in care as well. It is all up to you what you find attractive in this species, the level of care you are able to provide ,and overall your comfort level, and attitude going into this hobby! Wish you lots of luck in whichever locale you choose. Always remember you can’t just have one lol!
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
There's some variation of course, but I've never seen an Oustaleti larger than a mature melleri. Possibly a longer tail, but chances are they will be pretty equal overall.
